Automated electronically controlled microsprayer

ABSTRACT

An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus ( 10 ) is described. The apparatus includes a container ( 12 ), an adaptor ( 18 ), a nozzle ( 28 ) and a control circuit ( 34  or  42 ). The container is filled with the chemical ( 104 ) and propellant ( 102 ). The adaptor, nozzle and control circuit are removable from the container and are reusable. The control circuits controls the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard ( 100 ), to control insects.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 08/841,429, filed Apr. 22, 1997.

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

[0002] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] This invention was developed under United States Department ofAgriculture Grant No. (O.R.D.) 65024 and Amendment 58-1931-5-030. TheFederal government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to an apparatus for periodicallydispensing a fluid over an area by spraying. The present inventionparticularly relates to an electronic micro-dispensing apparatus forspraying pheromones in controlled amounts for a short duration in timedintervals to control insects in an outdoor setting such as an orchard.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] Disruption of intraspecific chemical communication in insects canbe accomplished by controlled release of synthetic pheromone to permeatethe air within a crop (Carde and Minks, Control of moth pests by matingdisruption: successes and constraints, “Annu. Rev. Entomol.” 40:559-585(1995). Commercial application of this principle for control of croppests has led to the development of various devices that provide apheromone reservoir and controlled release of the contents into thecrop. A common method of pheromone release relies upon evaporation fromsmall pieces of polymer impregnated or filled with pheromone. Thesedevices can be relatively simple to construct and apply, but a highdensity of devices is required per unit area (McDonough et al,Performance characteristics of a commercial controlled-release dispenserof sex pheromone for control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) by matingdisruption, “J. Chem. Ecol.” 18:2177-2189 (1992). Because the pheromonesof some insect species are prone to oxidative and photodegradation(Millar, J. G., Degradation and stabilization of E8-E10-dodecadienol,the major component of the sex pheromone of the codling moth(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) “J. Econ. Entomol.” 88:1425-1432 (1995),precautions must be taken to shield labile pheromones to maintainbehavioral activity throughout a full growing season. Pheromone also canbe encapsulated in semipermeable polymeric membranes to produce aformulation that is applied directly onto the crop using standardagricultural technology (Vickers, R. A. and Rothschild, G. H. L., Use ofsex pheromones for control of codling moth, pp. 339-354. In L. P. S. vander Geest and H. H. Evenhuis [eds.], Tortricid moths: their biology,natural enemies and control, Elsevier, Amsterdam (1991). These systemsare usually characterized by first-order decay release rates, makinglong-term disruption with a single application problematic. Applicationfrom a high density of sources is conducted to uniformly permeate a cropwith pheromone.

[0008] A more recently developed approach is to release the same totalamount of pheromone per unit area, but from far fewer point sources,thus relying on wind movement to disperse the pheromone throughout thecrop. The super-low density approach to dispensing pheromones has beentested with devices that provide intermittent release, to providepredetermined release rates and a stable environment for a largereservoir of pheromone prior to its release. Reduction of insect pestpopulations and crop damage has been reported in studies of the efficacyof this approach in field crops (Shorey et al, Widely separatedpheromone release sites for disruption of sex pheromone communication intwo species of Lepidoptera, “Environ. Entomol.” 25:446-451 (1996);(Shorey et al, Disruption of pheromone communication in Spodopteraexigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tomatoes, alfalfa, and cotton,“Environ. Entomol.” 23:1529-1533 (1994); (Baker et al, Disruption of sexpheromone communication in the blackheaded fireworm in Wisconsincranberry marshes by using MSTRS™ devices, “J. Agric. Entomol.”14:449-457 (1997), tree crops (Shorey, H. H. and Gerber, R. G., Use ofpuffers for disruption of sex pheromone communication among navelorangeworm moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in almonds, pistachios, andwalnuts, “Environ. Entomol.” 25:1154-1157 (1996); (Shorey et al, “Use ofpuffers for disruption of sex pheromone communication of codling moths(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in walnut orchards, “Environ. Entomol.”25:1398-1400 (1996), stored products (Mafra-Neto, A. and Baker, T. C.,Timed, metered sprays of pheromone disrupt mating of Cauda cautella(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) “J. Agric. Entomol.” 13:149-168 (1996) andcranberry marshes (Baker et al, Ibid.); Fadamiro et al, Suppression ofmating by blackheaded fireworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Wisconsincranberry marshes using MSTRS™ devices “J. Agric. Entomol.” 15:377-386(1998). The release devices have been referred to as “puffers” (Shoreyet al, Ibid.) and “misters” (MSTRS™) (Baker et al, Ibid), and thoughthese studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, thedevices are modifications of preexisting technology designed for indooruse. Hardware reliability is critical with this approach because at thelow density of deployment, any failure to release pheromone has a largeimpact on the total release rate per unit area. This requirement mayexceed the design limits of current technologies for super-low densityrelease of pheromone, and for commercial use the grower would expectseason-long operation.

[0009] In the past, pheromones for disruption of insect chemicalcommunication have been released from impregnated solids like rubber andplastic in sizes ranging from sprayed microcapsules to foot-long stripshung on trees, open-ended hollow fibers where evaporation rate iscontrolled by size of the openings, and hollow polyethylene tubes havingtheir lumen filled with chemical and heat-sealed at the end. Releaserate from these “ropes” or other such releasers having an undilutedchemical reservoir is most preferably constant until the reservoir isexhausted.

[0010] A disadvantage of the above-mentioned dispersers is that they areperpetually “on” once deployed and cannot retain their chemical duringperiods when, due to pest life cycle, there may be no need to dispensethe chemical. Dispensing the chemical only when needed is something thatis economically desirable. Within the past two years, appliedentomologists have adapted automatic aerosol dispensers to surmount thisproblem of wasting precious volatile chemicals by dispensing themindiscriminately over time. Automatic aerosol dispensers are used todispense room deodorants or sometimes fumigants for insect pest controlat timed intervals. At the intervals (e.g., 30 min. interval) abattery-powered motor turns gears attached to a lever that depresses thevalve of an aerosol can, emitting a short pulse of can contents. Becausemany moth pests mate only at night, some automatic aerosol dispensersused for insect sex attractant release employ a photocell that precludesrelease in daylight. For this application, pheromone must be formulatedwith a propellant and packaged in a conventional spray can, whichprotects chemicals from exposure to the degradative factors of light andoxygen. The aerosol sprays onto a cloth pad from which it evaporates ata decreasing rate between pulses of spray.

[0011] Currently available are automatic aerosol dispensers whichrequire a substantial amount of force (about 4 kg) to depress theaerosol can control valve. In addition, the mechanics and circuitry usedto depress the aerosol control can valve on existing models are notmaximally efficient and hence are more expensive than necessary.Furthermore, expensive and specialized equipment is required to chargeor recharge an aerosol can. The currently available aerosol dispensersalso have limited flexibility in control of their release of chemicals.

[0012] The related art has shown various types of automatic dispensingsystems and apparatus. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,305,134 toCarmichael et al; 3,523,646 to Waldrum; 4,272,019 to Halaby, Jr.;4,473,186 to Alperin and 4,671,435 to Stout et al.

[0013] Carmichael et al describes an automatic spray device which willautomatically and periodically dispense a compressed fluid. The deviceis used in connection with a pressure pack or aerosol container. Thedevice comprises regulator valve mechanics connected to the pressurepack for regulating the exit flow of the propellant contained in thepressure pack and a diaphragm type valve in a chamber. The diaphragmtype valve controls the flow of the fluid. When the propellant from thepressure pack accumulates and provides a proper pressure on thediaphragm valve, the valve will open, thus spraying the fluid. Thedevice can be constructed with a separate container for the propellantor the fluid and propellant can be combined in the same container.

[0014] Waldrum describes a liquid sprayer which discharges the liquid ina direction opposite the direction of movement of the nozzle. Themovement and direction of flow causes the uniform formation of droplets,which reduces the problem of drift.

[0015] Halaby, Jr. describes a programmable fluid sprayer apparatus forintermittent automatic delivery of an atomized fluid into the atmospherefor a selected duration of time at a selected frequency of delivery fromat least one (1) adjustable fluid atomizing spray head. This apparatusis a complex system which permits only approved fluid to be dispensedfor use in a particular area. Further, the spray nozzle means are spacedapart from the container of fluid to be atomized.

[0016] Aplerin describes a method and apparatus for spraying aerosolscomprising small liquid or solid particles as fine mist over largedistances while using minimal amounts of energy. The method andapparatus utilize the property of the ejector normally employed formomentum or thrust augmentation for dispersement of the liquid and solidaerosols over large distances with large divergence angles. Theapparatus and method cause the substance to be sprayed to mix with ahigh velocity jet, thus causing an acceleration of the substance in thedesired direction utilizing the drag force for projection over largedistances rather than for deceleration and small spray distances.

[0017] Stout et al describes a solenoid operated valve. However, thenozzle and the valve are not joined together as in a fuel injector. Theresult is that there is less precision in the metering of the fluid tobe sprayed.

[0018] The related art has also shown the use of solenoids to controlthe flow of liquids. U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,755 Dodds describes anirrigation system having a plurality of control valves for controllingthe flow of water. The control valves can be individually controlled andcan be solenoids. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,443 to Fujii et alshows controlled dispensing of liquid through a syringe outlet bysupplying constant air pressure to the interior of the syringe throughan inlet and selectively retracting a valve shaft from a valve seatlocated at the syringe outlet to enable the pressurized liquid to beejected through the outlet and out of the syringe. The valve shaft isretracted by a solenoid located in a housing assembly at the inlet ofthe syringe. U.S. Pat. No. 2,289,310 to Steel describes a paint gunhaving a double acting plunger activated by a solenoid coil. When thecoil is activated, the plunger is retracted which opens the outlet portwhile at the same time closing the inlet port. The dual action of theplunger acts to limit the amount of paint sprayed during the activationtime. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,483,944 to Leighton et al and U.S. Pat. No.5,570,813 to Clark, II show controlled, fluid delivery systems. However,none of the systems use a fuel injector.

[0019] Leighton et al describes a method and apparatus for meteringliquid fuel for delivering to an engine. The patent also includes amethod of metering fluids for cyclic delivery in variable discretequantities comprising filling a fixed volume control chamber with thefluid each cycle, the control chamber being in direct communication witha dispensing chamber charged with a compressed gas, and then deliveringa predetermined quantity of the fluid to the control chamber to displacefluid therefrom into the dispensing chamber and removing fluid from thecontrol chamber to adjust the quantity of fluid displaced from thecontrol chamber to the dispensing chamber.

[0020] Clark, II describes a delivery and management system fordispensing viscous material. Due to the type of material dispensed bythis system it would not be obvious to use a fuel injector nozzle. Infact, the system would not operate correctly, if at all, using a fuelinjector nozzle.

[0021] Only of some interest is EPO Patent No. 0220332 to Goudy whichdescribes timing circuit for controlling the dispensing of a pelletizedmaterial and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,852,802 to Iggulden et al and 4,962,522 toMarian which show a method for remotely controlling an irrigation systemusing a remote signal.

[0022] Only of minimal interest are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,909,439 to Fu;5,232,167 to McCormick et al; 5,244,180 to Wakeman et al; 5,289,627 toCerny et al and 5,476,226 to Tomiita et al which show various types ofsolenoid valves used as fuel injectors.

[0023] There remains the need for an electronically controlledmicro-dispensing apparatus which allows for controlling the duration andamount of the spray, as well as, the time interval between spraying andwhich is economical to manufacture and operate and portable and whichallows for replacement of an empty container without replacing theentire apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention relates to a dispenser apparatus forperiodic, controlled dispensing of a chemical in a liquid form whichcomprises: a disposable sealed container having an orifice andcontaining a pressurized gas and the chemical in the liquid form;adaptor means configured to be sealingly connected to the orifice; afuel injector nozzle sealingly connected to the adaptor means of thecontainer capable of periodically dispensing the chemical in the liquidform by the pressurized gas from the container, wherein the fuelinjector nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passage therethrough; (ii)a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body to open and close thepassage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leads to the coil mountedon the body, so that the coil provides a continuous circuit surroundingthe valve needle which is moved upon application of a current throughthe coil; and (iv) a bias means mounted in the body which holds thevalve needle in a closed position when the current is not appliedthrough the coil; and a control means which supplies current to the coilto move the valve needle against the bias means to open the passage inthe body of the fuel injector nozzle and allows the chemical in theliquid form to be dispensed periodically from the container through thepassage in the body of the fuel injector nozzle.

[0025] Further, the present invention relates to a dispenser apparatusfor periodic controlled dispensing of a chemical in a liquid form whichcomprises: a disposable sealed container having an orifice which allowsthe pressurized gas to be provided in the container, the container beingconfigured to hold a pressurized gas and the chemical in the liquidform; adaptor means configured to be sealingly connected to the orifice;a nozzle sealingly connected to the adaptor means for the dispensing,wherein the nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passage therethrough;(ii) a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body to open andclose the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leads to thecoil mounted on the body, so that the coil provides a continuous circuitsurrounding the valve needle which is moved upon application of acurrent through the coil; and (iv) a bias means mounted in the bodywhich holds the valve needle in a closed position when the current isnot applied through the coil; and a control means for supplying currentto the coil to move the valve needle against the bias means to open thepassage in the body of the nozzle and allows the chemical in the liquidform to be dispensed periodically from the container through the passagein the body of the nozzle, wherein the control means is a self-containedcircuit which is releasably connected to the nozzle and supplies thecurrent periodically to the coil on a pre-programmed schedule.

[0026] Still further, the present invention relates to a system forperiodically dispensing a chemical in a liquid form over an area whichcomprises: multiple dispenser apparatus containing the chemical in theliquid form, each dispenser apparatus comprising a disposable sealedcontainer having an orifice and containing a pressurized gas and thechemical in the liquid form; adaptor means configured to be sealinglyconnected to the orifice; a fuel injector nozzle sealingly connected tothe adaptor to the orifice of the container and capable of periodicallydispensing less than 10 μL of the chemical in the liquid form by thepressurized gas, wherein the fuel injector nozzle comprises: (i) a bodywith a passage therethrough; (ii) a valve needle moveable in the passageof the body to open and close the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil withelectrical leads to the coil mounted on the body so that the coilprovides a continuous circuit surrounding the valve needle so that theneedle is moved upon application of a current through the coil; and (iv)bias means mounted in the body which holds the valve needle in a closedposition when the current is not flowing through the coil; control meanswhich supplies current to the coil to move the valve needle against thebias means to open the passage in the fuel injector nozzle and allowsthe chemical in the liquid form and the gas to be dispensed periodicallyfrom the container through the passage in the body of the fuel injectornozzle; and a central processing unit as part of the control means whichcontrols each of the multiple dispenser apparatus so that each dispenserapparatus periodically dispenses the chemical in the liquid form fromthe fuel injector nozzle.

[0027] Further still, the present invention relates to a method fordispensing a chemical in a liquid form which comprises the steps of:providing a dispenser apparatus comprising a disposable sealed containerhaving an orifice which allows the pressurized gas to be provided in thecontainer means and which can hold a pressurized gas and the chemical inthe liquid form; adaptor means configured to be connected to theorifice; a fuel injector nozzle connected to the adaptor means of thecontainer capable of periodically dispensing less than 10 μL of thechemical in the liquid form by the pressurized gas, wherein the fuelinjector nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passage therethrough; (ii)a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body to open and close thepassage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leads to the coil mountedon the body so that the coil provides a continuous circuit surroundingthe valve needle which is moved upon application of a current throughthe coil; and (iv) bias means mounted in the body which holds the valveneedle in a closed position when the current is not flowing through thecoil; and control means for controlling the fuel injector nozzle; andactivating the apparatus such that the control means supplies current tothe coil to move the valve needle against the bias means to open thepassage in the fuel injector nozzle so that the chemical in the liquidform and the pressurized gas are dispensed periodically from thecontainer through the passage in the body of the fuel injector nozzle.

[0028] Finally, the method for dispensing a chemical in a liquid formwhich comprises the steps of: providing a dispenser apparatus comprisinga disposable sealed container having an orifice and which can hold apressurized gas and the chemical in the liquid form; adaptor meansconfigured to be sealingly connected to the orifice; a nozzle sealinglyconfigured to be connected to the adaptor means of the container,wherein the nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passage therethrough;(ii) a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body to open andclose the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leads to thecoil mounted on the body so that the coil provides a continuous circuitsurrounding the valve needle which is moved upon application of acurrent through the coil; and (iv) bias means mounted in the body whichholds the valve needle in a closed position when the current is notflowing through the coil; self-contained circuit mounted on thecontainer for controlling the nozzle; and activating the apparatus sothat the self-contained circuit supplies current periodically to thecoil on a pre-programmed schedule to move the valve needle against thebias means to open the passage in the nozzle so that the chemical in theliquid form and the pressurized gas are dispensed periodically from thecontainer through the passage in the body of the nozzle.

[0029] The present invention provides an electronically controlledmicro-dispensing apparatus which has user adjustable control circuitryto allow for dispensing of a chemical in a liquid form such as insectpheromones at various time intervals and in varying amounts. Thedispensing apparatus can also be provided with sensors external of thecontrol circuit to sense environmental conditions such as lightintensity temperature and wind speed to control the release of thechemical to correspond with the periods of insect mating or other insectactivities. The dispensing apparatus operates on batteries over a longperiod of time and is designed to provide reliable, precise, season-longrelease of insect pheromones without the need for maintenance, refillingor component replacement. The apparatus also allows for replacement ofan empty container to allow for reuse of the major components of theapparatus.

[0030] The substance and advantages of the present invention will becomeincreasingly apparent by reference to the following drawings and thedescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the spraying apparatus 10 of thepresent invention showing the container 12 and the nozzle 28.

[0032]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the spraying apparatus 10 showingthe container 12, the adaptor 18 and the nozzle 28.

[0033]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the spraying apparatus 10showing the chemical 104 and propellant 102 in the container 12.

[0034]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the adaptor 18 showing thecenter bore 19 and the plug 22 with the tube 17.

[0035]FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the timer control circuit34.

[0036]FIG. 5 is a timer control circuit 42 when multiple sprayingapparatus 10 are used.

[0037]FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of a solenoid controllednozzle 28.

[0038]FIG. 7 is a front view showing use of the apparatus 10 in anorchard 100.

[0039]FIG. 8 is a front view showing use of the apparatus 10 in anorchard 100 with the apparatus 10 controlled by a single computer 62.

[0040]FIG. 9 is a front view showing use of the spraying apparatus 10 inan orchard 100 with the apparatus 10 remotely controlled by atransmitter 300.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a side view of the spraying apparatus 10 showing themounting hook 26 attached to the adaptor 18.

[0042]FIG. 11 is a side view of the spraying apparatus 10 having thecontrol circuit 34 shown in cross-section attached to the bottom 12B ofthe container 12.

[0043]FIG. 12 is a side view of the spraying apparatus 10 showing theadaptor 218 of the alternate embodiment having the second portion 218Dmounted at an angle to the first portion 218C.

[0044]FIG. 13 is a side view of the spraying apparatus 10 having thecontrol circuit 34 directly connected to the electrical connector 31 ofthe nozzle 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045]FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the apparatus 10 of thepresent invention. The apparatus 10 includes a disposable, sealablecontainer or canister 12, a reusable adaptor 18, a reusable nozzle 28and a reusable timing or control circuit 34 or 42. The container 12 ispreferably similar to commercially available propellant containershaving a single orifice 13 in the top 12A of the container 12 throughwhich the pressurized gas or propellant 102 and chemical 104 is filledinto the container 12. The propellant 102 and liquid can be filled intothe container 12 by any well known means. The container 12 preferablycontains 550 mL of an ethanol and pheromone mixture with about 15%pheromone and about 110 mL of propellant are added. Preferably, theamount of chemical 104 in the container 12 is enough for one (1) growingseason. However, the size of the container 12 and the amount of chemical104 in the container 12 can be adjusted depending on the size of thearea to be treated and the time period over which the apparatus 10 is tooperate. It is understood that the amount of the propellant 102 in thecontainer 12 is directly related to the amount of chemical 104 to bedispensed. The propellant 102 can be either a gas or a liquid. In thepreferred embodiment, the propellant 102 is difluoroethane or a lowmolecular weight hydrocarbon mixture (A-70) filtered to 0.1 micron;however, other known propellant might be used. The container 12 ispreferably constructed of an inert metal such as stainless steel, brassor aluminum. The container 12 must be constructed such as to protect thechemical 104 from oxygen and ultraviolet light such as to retainbehavioral activity.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the container 12 is not reusable.Once the container 12 is filled, the orifice 13 at the top 12A of thecontainer 12 is closed and is provided with an outlet 14 having a valve15. A tube 16 extends from the valve 15 into the interior of thecontainer 12 and allows for removal of the propellant 102 and chemical104 from the container 12. The valve 15 prevents the propellant 102 andchemical 104 from escaping from the container 12. The outlet 14 of thecontainer 12 preferably has an extension 17 having threads around itsouter surface. The threaded extension 17 has a center bore 17A which isconcentric with the outlet 14.

[0047] The adaptor 18 is removably attached to the extension 17 on thetop 12A of the container 12 (FIG. 3). The adaptor 18 has opposed ends18A and 18B with a first portion 18C adjacent the first end 18A and asecond portion 18D adjacent the second end 18B with a center bore 19extending between the ends 18A and 18B along the longitudinal axis A-Aof the adaptor 18. The center bore 19 extends completely through theadaptor 18 and has a first section 19A adjacent the first end 18A and asecond section 19B adjacent the second end 18B (FIG. 3A). The first andsecond sections 19A and 19B are connected together by a center section19C. The first section 19A has a diameter essentially equal to thediameter of the threaded extension 17 on the top 12A of the container12. A portion of the first section 19A of the center bore 19 is providedwith threads which threadably mate with the threads of the threadedextension 17 to secure the adaptor 18 onto the container 12. Theentrance of the first section 19A of the center bore 19 adjacent thefirst end 18A of the adaptor 18 preferably is not provided with threadsand is beveled such that the diameter of the entrance of the firstsection 19A of the center bore 19 decreases as it extends inward towardthe threaded portion of the first section 19A. An o-ring 21 is providedin the entrance of the first section l9A of the center bore 19. Theoring 21 allows for sealingly connecting the adaptor 18 to the top 12Aof the container 12. The outer diameter of the first portion 18C ispreferably greater than the outer diameter of the second portion 18D.The outer surface of the first portion 18C is preferably knurled toallow for easier turning of the adaptor 18 when the adaptor 18 is to beremoved from the container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the outersurface of the first portion 18C is also provided with gripping flats 20which allow for better gripping by a wrench or pliers to allow foreasier removal of the adaptor 18 from the container 12 or from thenozzle 28.

[0048] A plug 22 having a center opening 22A within which is mounted atube 23 is mounted in the first section 19A of the center bore 19adjacent the center section 19C. The tube 23 preferably has a diametersimilar to the diameter of the center section 19C of the center bore 19.The tube 23 extends outward from the plug 22 into the first section 19Aof the center bore 19. The tube 23 is of such a length that when theadaptor 18 is attached to the threaded extension 17 on the top 12A ofthe container 12, the tube 23 extends into the center bore 17A in thethreaded extension 17 and into the valve 15 in the orifice 13 of thecontainer 12 such as to open the valve 15.

[0049] The first portion 18C of the adaptor 18 has an outer diameter ofabout 0.875 inches (2.223 cm). The second portion 18D of the adaptor 18has an outer diameter of about 0.75 inches (1.91 cm). However, it isunderstood that any durable material which can withstand theenvironmental conditions and which is not degradable by the chemical 104or propellant 102 can be used.

[0050] The second section 19B of the center bore 19 has a diameter equalto or slightly greater than the diameter of the first end 28C of thenozzle 28. In the preferred embodiment, the first end 28C of the nozzle28 is provided with an o-ring 21 which secures the first end 28C of thenozzle 28 in the second section 19B of the center bore 19 of the adaptor18 (FIG. 3). The sidewall of the adaptor 18 at the second section 19B ofthe center bore 19 is provided with a pair of curved slots 24 whichcurve around the longitudinal axis A-A of the adaptor 18. The slots 24are spaced from the second end 18B of the adaptor 18 such that when thenozzle 28 is mounted in the second section 19B of the center bore 19,the slots 24 in the sidewall of the adaptor 18 match up with theconcentric groove 27 in the first end 28C of the nozzle 28 (to bedescribed in detail hereinafter). A pair of lock rings 25 are providedfor inserting through the slots 24 in the sidewall of the adaptor 18(FIG. 2). The lock rings 25 preferably have a semi-circular shape. Thelock rings 25 act to secure or lock the nozzle 28 in the adaptor 18.

[0051] In the one (1) embodiment, a mounting hook 26 is provided on theadaptor 18 (FIG. 10). The mounting hook 26 is preferably flexible andallows the apparatus 10 to be wrapped around a tree branch or a pole 58.The flexibility of the mounting hook 26 allows for the apparatus 10 tobe mounted in a variety of positions. The mounting hook 26 can also beprovided with a covering to reduce damage to the tree. In anotherembodiment (not shown), the mounting hook 26 is provided on thecontainer 12.

[0052] In an alternate embodiment, the end of the first portion 218C ofthe adaptor 218 adjacent the second portion 218D is angled such that thesecond portion 218D extends outward from the first portion 218C at anangle (FIG. 12). Thus, the longitudinal axis B-B of the second sectionof the center bore is at an angle with the longitudinal axis C-C of thefirst section of the center bore. In the preferred embodiment, thelongitudinal axis B-B of the second section is at a 450 angle with thelongitudinal axis C-C of the first section of the center bore of theadaptor 218. The 45° angle allows the container 12 to remain horizontalduring dispensing by compensating for any curvature in the tube 16. Inaddition, the 450 angle allows the stream of chemical 104 and/orchemical 104 and propellant 102 to project both upward and outward whichprovides better distribution of the droplets and prevents the apparatus10 from spraying back on itself which allows the apparatus 10 to remaincleaner.

[0053] The nozzle 28 has opposed ends 28C and 28D with an inlet 28A inthe first end 18C and an outlet 28B in the second end 28D (FIG. 6). Thefirst end 28C of the nozzle 28 is provided with a concentric groove 27.The inlet 28A preferably has an integral filter 29. The nozzle 28 alsoincludes an electrical connector 31, a solenoid 32 having an armature32A, a coil 32B and a valve mechanism with a valve needle or pintle 30.The first end 28C of the nozzle 28 is connected to the adaptor 18. Thenozzle 28 is mounted in the second section 19B of the center bore 19 ofthe adaptor 18. The nozzle 28 is preferably a pintle type injectorsimilar to those used as fuel injectors for automotive vehicles.However, it is understood that a ball type injector or a disc typeinjector can be used. The pintle 30 preferably has a stainless steelbody and which is moved into the “open” position by the solenoid 32located in the base of the nozzle 28 (FIG. 6). Preferably, when thesolenoid 32 is activated, the solenoid 32 moves the pintle 30 into theopen position which allows the liquid and propellant 102 in thecontainer 12 to be expelled from the nozzle 28. Once the solenoid 32 isdeactivated, a spring acts to move the pintle 30 into the “closed”position. When activated, the nozzle 28 preferably ejects a stream ofthe liquid through the outlet 28B of the nozzle 28. In the preferredembodiment, controlling the pintle 30 of the nozzle 28 allows a preciseamount of the liquid to be ejected during one pulse. The outlet 28B ofthe nozzle 28 preferably has a protection cap 33. The protection cap 33has at least one small orifice 33A which enables the nozzle 28 to propelthe liquid a greater distance in a stream. In the preferred embodiment,the protection cap 33 has four orifices 33A. The amount of liquiddelivered by the nozzle 28 depends on how long the nozzle 28 remains inthe open position. In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle 28 is a fuelinjector (port injection) similar to the model 0 280 150 718manufactured by Robert Bosch.

[0054] The nozzle 28 is activated and controlled by a control circuit 34or 42. The control circuit 34 or 42 is connected to the electricalconnector 31 of the nozzle 28. The circuit 34 or 42 is preferablymounted in a weatherproof, watertight box 35 which allows the circuit 34or 42 to be used and left out of doors. The control circuit 34 or 42 ispreferably reusable. In one (1) embodiment, the control circuit 34 or 42is mounted directly to the electrical connector 31 of the nozzle 28(FIG. 13). This eliminates the need for a wiring harness. In addition,when the nozzle 28 is removed from the used container 12, the controlcircuit 34 or 42 is also removed. In another embodiment (not shown), thecontrol circuit 34 or 42 is mounted to the adaptor and is connected tothe electrical connector 31 of the nozzle 28 by a wiring harness. Inanother embodiment, the control circuit 34 is removably mounted to thebottom 12B of the container 12 and is connected to the electricalconnector 31 of the nozzle 28 by a wiring harness 327 (FIG. 11). Thecontrol circuit 34 is preferably in a self-contained box 313 such thatwhen the container 12 is empty, the circuit box 313 can be removed fromthe empty container 12 and attached to a new, full container 12.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle 28 is controlled by afirst control circuit 34 (FIG. 4). The circuit 34 uses a capacitor C₁ incombination with transistors Q₁ and Q₂ and resistors R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄to create a low power, timing circuit for activating and deactivatingthe nozzle 28 of the apparatus 10. Preferably, the first control circuit34 includes a power source 36, a switch 38, a capacitor C₁, a pair oftransistors Q₁, and Q₂ and resistors R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄. The power source36 preferably is a 9 V source such as either a 9 V battery or six (6)AA, 1.5 V batteries. The switch 38 is preferably a standard “on”, “off”switch. An LED 40 is preferably included in the circuit 34 to indicatethat the solenoid 32 has been activated by the circuit 34. Preferably,when the solenoid 32 is activated, the LED 40 is flashed to clearlyindicate that the apparatus 10 is functioning. In general, in the firstcontrol circuit 34, when the capacitor C₁ has discharged, current isallowed to flow in the circuit 34 which activates the solenoid 32 to“open” the valve 30 of the nozzle 28 to dispense the liquid. When thecapacitor C₁ is fully charged, the capacitor C₁ prevents current fromflowing in the circuit 34 and in the solenoid 32 which in turndeactivates the solenoid 32 of the nozzle 28 or 216 which allows thespring to move the valve needle of the valve 30 of the nozzle 28 or 216into the “closed” or “off” position which causes the nozzle 28 to stopdispensing the liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the first transistorQ₁, is a 3704 NPN transistor and the second transistor Q₂ is a 4403 PNPtransistor. The capacitor C₁ preferably has a value of 100 μF. However,the value of C₁ can be varied depending on the desired duration of theperiod of operation of the apparatus 10. In the preferred embodiment,the first resistor R₁ has a value of 20 Ω. However, the first resistorR₁ is preferably removably mounted in the circuit 34 through use of acomponent socket. The first resistor R₁ is intended to be easily changedto allow for easily adjusting the timing of the circuit 34. In the firstcontrol circuit 34, lowering the value of R₁ causes the capacitor C₁ tocharge faster, which results in reducing the duration the nozzle 28 or216 is “on”. However, this current is limited by I_(EB MAX) in thecircuit 34 which is a function of Q₁, Q₂ and the load of the nozzle 28.The second and fourth resistors R₂ and R₄ preferably have a value of 2mΩ and 560 Ω, respectively. The value of R₄ controls the “on” durationof the nozzle 28 or 216. The greater the value of R₄, the smaller thecurrent in the nozzle 28 or 216. As the value of R₄ is increased, thetime span between activation of the nozzle 28 and deactivation of thenozzle 28 decreases. R₄ is not required unless the required ejector “on”duration is less than the fastest capacitor charging time which is whenR₁=OΩ. The value of R₄ is also a function of the gas pressure of theapparatus 10. For higher pressures, longer currents are required to openthe nozzle 28. A smaller R₄ compensates this larger current. The firstcontrol circuit 34 enables the nozzle 28 or 216 to have an “on” cycleperiod or pulse duration of between about 2 msec and about 1 sec. Thetime between pulses is preferably between about 1 sec. and 300 sec. (5min.). In the preferred embodiment, activating and deactivating thenozzle 28 requires only nominal power which allows the apparatus 10 tooperate for long periods of time without the need to replace the battery36. Preferably, the battery 36 can operate the circuit 34 and controlthe dispensing of the liquid from the apparatus 10 for one (1) year.Current testing shows this circuit 34 can run for at least 6 months inthe lab on a standard 9 V Duracell® battery. The testing is still ongoing.

[0056] In an alternate embodiment, a second control circuit 42 is usedto activate and deactivate the apparatus 10 (FIG. 5). The second controlcircuit 42 is programmable so that the user is able to specificallyprogram the duration of the pulse of liquid and the time delay betweeneach pulse for the apparatus 10. The second control circuit 42 allowsfor a wider variety of pulse durations and cycle periods. Preferably,the second control circuit 42 enables the nozzle 28 to have an “on”cycle period or pulse duration with a range of between about 5 msec and15 sec. The time between pulses or between the activated mode anddeactivated mode of the nozzle 28 preferably has a range of betweenabout 1 sec. and 12,000 sec. As with the first control circuit 34, thesecond control circuit 42 includes a power supply 44 which is preferably9 V and is comprised of either a 9 V battery or six (6) 1.5 V AAbatteries and a switch 46 which is preferably a standard “on”/“off”switch well known in the art. The circuit 42 also includes a pair ofprogrammable oscillators 52, a pair of decade counters 54, an 8 positionand a 16 position BCP coded Rotary dip switch 55 and 56 and a Quad XORCMOS 60. The programmable oscillators 52 of the second control circuit42 are preferably similar to the PXO-1000 manufactured by Statek ofOrange, Calif. The decade counters 54 are preferably the CD4017 such asmanufactured by National Semiconductor. The 8 position and 16 positionBCP coded Rotary dip switches 55 and 56 are preferably similar to the948-9002 and 948-9012 distributed by Allied located in Grand Rapids,Mich. The QUAD XOR CMOS 60 is manufactured by National Semiconductor.The circuit 42 also preferably has a 100 μF capacitor C₂, two NPNtransistors Q₃ and Q₄ and a 580 Ω ¼watt resistor R₄. As with the firstcontrol circuit 34, the second circuit 42 can also be provided with anLED 48 to indicate the circuit is active. As with the first controlcircuit 34, the second control circuit 42 is preferably mounted in aweatherproof box (not shown).

[0057] In another alternate embodiment, the apparatus 10 is controlledby a remote electromagnetic wave transmitter 300 such as through the useof radio frequency waves (FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the control is aremote electromagnetic wave transmitter 300 controlling a receiver 301connected to the coil 32 of the nozzle 28 on the container 12. Whenactivated by the transmitter 300, the receiver 301 allows current toflow to the coil 32 thus removing the needle valve bracket (pintle) 30to the outlet 28B in the orifice 33A in the nozzle 28. The spring actsto move the pintle 30 to the closed position. The apparatus 10 couldalso be remotely controlled by a satellite (not shown) . Such a systemis described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,855 to Marian. In an additionalalternate embodiment, several apparatuses 10 can be controlled as asingle unit or separately by a computer 62 (FIG. 8). The individualapparatuses 10 can be individually connected to the computer 62 or theapparatuses 10 can be connected together and then connected to thecomputer 62 as a single unit. The computer 62 could have separateaddresses and separate drivers for each apparatus 10 which would allowindividualized control of each individual apparatus 10. The controlcircuit 34 or 42 of the apparatus 10 could be provided with sensors (notshown) for sensing environmental conditions such as temperature and windspeed which would allow the circuit to respond to differentenvironmental conditions and control the release of the liquid. In thepreferred embodiment, the sensors would allow the apparatus 10 to spraythe pheromone 104 during periods of actual insect mating. In any of theembodiments, preferably, the control circuit which is used isinexpensive to construct and inexpensive to operate. Preferably, theapparatus 10 is run on batteries and has a long life. In all the aboveembodiments, the use of the electronic control circuitry with thesolenoid 32 activated nozzle 28 or 216 allows the apparatus 10 to runefficiently on very low voltage and to operate very quietly.

IN USE

[0058] In the preferred embodiment, the electronic micro-dispensingapparatus 10 is used to automatically dispense a set amount of chemical104 over a set amount of time in an outdoor setting to control insects.The release rates can be set in advance to provide the optimalcombination of release frequency and duration that will apply sufficientpheromone 104 into the crop for the duration required. In the preferredembodiment, the fluid to be dispensed is a liquid pheromone 104. Theliquid pheromone 104 attacks the insects and confuses the insects toprevent mating. However, other insect controlling liquids such aspesticides or fungicides could also be used. The apparatus 10 can alsobe used to dispense a fragrance in a closed area to control odors. Theapparatus 10 could also be used in a number of different settings whichrequire the automatic dispensing of a precise amount of fluid.

[0059] To use the apparatus 10 in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard100, the apparatus 10 is preferably mounted on a pole 58 in the orchard100 such that the nozzle 28 is essentially level with the middle of thetree (FIGS. 7 to 9). Alternatively, the apparatus 10 can be mounted on alimb of a tree. In the preferred embodiment, there are severalapparatuses 10 spaced around the orchard 100. The portability of theapparatus 10 allows for easy positioning of the apparatus 10 as neededfor full coverage. The number of apparatuses 10 depends on the amount ofchemical 104 dispensed by each apparatus 10 and the size of the area tobe covered. Preferably, the apparatus 10 is able to disperse less than10 μL of chemical 104 and/or chemical 104 and propellant 102 in thecontainer 12 during each pulse. The low volume of dispersion allows theamount of chemical 104 dispersed to be easily limited to very smallvolumes. This is important in the preferred embodiment due to the costof the pheromone 104 and the need for only small volumes of thepheromone 104 to achieve insect control. Due to the removability of thenozzle 28, adaptor 18 or 218 and control circuit 34 or 42 from thecontainer 12, the nozzle 28, adaptor 18 or 218 and control circuit 34 or42 can be reused. In the embodiments having the control circuit 34 or 42mounted on the electrical connector 31 of the nozzle 28 or on theadaptor 18 or 218, the adaptor 18 or 218 with the nozzle 28 and controlcircuit 34 or 42 are removed from an empty container 12 as a singleunit. They are then reattached to a full container 12. At the end of aseason, the apparatuses 10 having the empty containers 12 can be left inthe orchard 100 until labor is available and then provided with fullcontainers 12 for the following spring which saves on labor costs. Whenthe apparatuses 10 are connected together and remotely controlled,cables 64 connecting the apparatuses 10 are mounted below the ground orabove ground between the poles 58 (FIG. 8). In the alternate embodiment,where the apparatus 10 are radio controlled or controlled by satellite,the control box 35 can be with the apparatus 10 or anywhere else on thepole 58. In the preferred embodiment, the control circuit 34 or 42 ispreconfigured so that the apparatus 10 ejects a pulse of the liquid 104having a set duration with a set time between each pulse. In thealternate embodiments, using radio control or a central computer 62, thecontrol circuits 34 or 42 do not need to be preprogrammed but can beprogrammed after the apparatuses 10 are in place.

[0060] It is intended that the foregoing description be onlyillustrative of the present invention and that the present invention belimited only by the hereinafter appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A dispenser apparatus for periodic, controlled dispensingof a chemical in a liquid form which comprises: (a) a disposable sealedcontainer having an orifice and containing a pressurized gas and thechemical in the liquid form; (b) adaptor means configured to besealingly connected to the orifice; (c) a fuel injector nozzle sealinglyconnected to the adaptor means of the container capable of periodicallydispensing the chemical in the liquid form by the pressurized gas fromthe container, wherein the fuel injector nozzle comprises: (i) a bodywith a passage therethrough; (ii) a valve needle moveable in the passageof the body to open and close the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil withelectrical leads to the coil mounted on the body, so that the coilprovides a continuous circuit surrounding the valve needle which ismoved upon application of a current through the coil; and (iv) a biasmeans mounted in the body which holds the valve needle in a closedposition when the current is not applied through the coil; and (d) acontrol means which supplies current to the coil to move the valveneedle against the bias means to open the passage in the body of thefuel injector nozzle and allows the chemical in the liquid form to bedispensed periodically from the container through the passage in thebody of the fuel injector nozzle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 which is aself-contained unit and is portable.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe adaptor means is removably connected to the orifice of the containersuch that the adaptor means is reusable.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the control means is removably mounted on the fuel injectornozzle and the control means is reusable.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the control means is mounted on the adaptor means and thecontrol means is reusable.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theadaptor means has a first end and a second end forming a longitudinalaxis of the adaptor means having a center bore extending therebetween,the first end of the adaptor means configured to be connected to theorifice and the second end having a cavity for inserting the body of thefuel injector nozzle to connect the fuel injector nozzle to the orifice.7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a sidewall of the adaptor meanssurrounding the cavity has a slot extending through the sidewall intothe cavity and wherein a lock ring is slid through the slot to engagethe body of the fuel injector nozzle to secure the fuel injector nozzlein the cavity of the adaptor means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinthe first end of the adaptor means has a threaded opening extendingparallel to the longitudinal axis of the adaptor means and the orificeof the container has a threaded extension which engages the threadedopening of the adaptor means to secure the adaptor means to thecontainer at the orifice.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein theadaptor means has a first portion adjacent the first end having a firstsection of the center bore and a second portion adjacent the second endhaving a second section of the center bore wherein an end of the firstportion of the adaptor means adjacent the second portion is angled suchthat a longitudinal axis of the second section of the center bore is atan angle to a longitudinal axis of the first section of the center bore.10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the longitudinal axis of the secondsection of the center bore is at a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis ofthe first section of the center bore.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the control means is a programmable processing unit whichperiodically activates the control means to supply current to the coilof the fuel injector nozzle to open the needle valve.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the control means has a remote electromagnetic wavetransmitter controlling a receiver connected to the coil of the fuelinjector nozzle on the container which when activated by the transmitterallows current to flow to the coil thus moving the needle valve to openthe passage in the fuel injector nozzle.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12wherein the transmitter is activated by a central processing unit andwherein the central processing unit is in a programmable computer andthe computer contains a program which allows current to periodicallyflow to the coil to move the valve needle and thus open the passage ofthe fuel injector nozzle.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a hook isattached to the adaptor means to allow for attaching the apparatus to atree.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the hook is flexible and canbe wrapped around a branch of the tree.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the apparatus dispenses less than 10 μL of the chemical inliquid form.
 17. A dispenser apparatus for periodic controlleddispensing of a chemical in a liquid form which comprises: (a) adisposable sealed container having an orifice which allows thepressurized gas to be provided in the container, the container beingconfigured to hold a pressurized gas and the chemical in the liquidform; (b) adaptor means configured to be sealingly connected to theorifice; (c) a nozzle sealingly connected to the adaptor means for thedispensing, wherein the nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passagetherethrough; (ii) a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body toopen and close the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leadsto the coil mounted on the body, so that the coil provides a continuouscircuit surrounding the valve needle which is moved upon application ofa current through the coil; and (iv) a bias means mounted in the bodywhich holds the valve needle in a closed position when the current isnot applied through the coil; and (d) a control means for supplyingcurrent to the coil to move the valve needle against the bias means toopen the passage in the body of the nozzle and allows the chemical inthe liquid form to be dispensed periodically from the container throughthe passage in the body of the nozzle, wherein the control means is aself-contained circuit which is releasably connected to the nozzle andsupplies the current periodically to the coil on a pre-programmedschedule.
 18. The dispenser apparatus of claim 17 wherein the controlmeans is mounted on the adaptor means and the control means and theadaptor means are an integral unit.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17wherein the circuit has an activated mode which supplies current to thecoil and an inactivated mode wherein no current is supplied to the coil.20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the inactivated mode is controlledby a capacitor electrically connected to separate transistor gates,wherein the loss of a charge on the capacitor opens the gate of one ofthe transistors and allows current to flow from a battery to the coil.21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the control means has a remoteelectromagnetic wave transmitter controlling a receiver connected to thecoil of the nozzle on the container which when activated by thetransmitter allows current to flow to the coil thus moving the needlevalve to open the passage in the nozzle; wherein the transmitter isactivated by a central processing unit; wherein the central processingunit is in a programmable computer; and wherein the computer contains aprogram which allows current to periodically flow to the coil to movethe needle valve and thus open the passage of the nozzle.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 17 wherein the adaptor means has a first end and asecond end forming a longitudinal axis of the adaptor means having acenter bore extending therebetween and the first end of the adaptormeans configured to be connected to the orifice and the second having acavity for inserting the body of the nozzle to connect the nozzle to theorifice.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein a sidewall of the adaptormeans surrounding the cavity has a slot extending through the sidewallinto the cavity and wherein a lock ring is slid through the slot toengage the body of the nozzle to secure the nozzle in the cavity of theadaptor means.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the adaptor meanshas a first portion adjacent the first end having a first section of thecenter bore and a second portion adjacent the second end having a secondsection of the center bore wherein an end of the first portion of theadaptor means adjacent the second portion is angled such that alongitudinal axis of the second section of the center bore is at anangle to a longitudinal axis of the first section of the center bore.25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the longitudinal axis of thesecond section of the center bore is at a 45° angle to the longitudinalaxis of the first section of the center bore.
 26. The apparatus of claim17 wherein the adaptor means is removably connected to the orifice ofthe container such that the adaptor means is reusable.
 27. The apparatusof claim 17 wherein the control means is removably mounted on the nozzleand the control means is reusable.
 28. The apparatus of claim 17 whereinthe apparatus dispenses less than 10 μL of the chemical in liquid form.29. A system for periodically dispensing a chemical in a liquid formover an area which comprises: (a) multiple dispenser apparatuscontaining the chemical in the liquid form, each dispenser apparatuscomprising a disposable sealed container having an orifice andcontaining a pressurized gas and the chemical in the liquid form;adaptor means configured to be sealingly connected to the orifice; afuel injector nozzle sealingly connected to the adaptor to the orificeof the container and capable of periodically dispensing less than 10 μLof the chemical in the liquid form by the pressurized gas, wherein thefuel injector nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passage therethrough;(ii) a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body to open andclose the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leads to thecoil mounted on the body so that the coil provides a continuous circuitsurrounding the valve needle so that the needle is moved uponapplication of a current through the coil; and (iv) bias means mountedin the body which holds the valve needle in a closed position when thecurrent is not flowing through the coil; (b) control means whichsupplies current to the coil to move the valve needle against the biasmeans to open the passage in the fuel injector nozzle and allows thechemical in the liquid form and the gas to be dispensed periodicallyfrom the container through the passage in the body of the fuel injectornozzle; and (c) a central processing unit as part of the control meanswhich controls each of the multiple dispenser apparatus so that eachdispenser apparatus periodically dispenses the chemical in the liquidform from the fuel injector nozzle.
 30. The system of claim 29 whereineach of the dispenser apparatus can be provided at different positionsin the area and be controlled by the processing unit.
 31. The system ofclaim 29 wherein the central processing unit of the control means isconnected to an electromagnetic wave transmitter controlling a receiverconnected to the coil of the fuel injector nozzle on each containerwhich when activated by the transmitter allows the current to flow tothe coil thus moving the needle valve to open the passage in the fuelinjector nozzle.
 32. The system of claim 29 wherein the adaptor meanshas a first end and a second end forming a longitudinal axis of theadaptor means having a center bore extending therebetween and the firstend of the adaptor means configured to be connected to the orifice andthe second having a cavity for inserting the body of the fuel injectornozzle to connect the fuel injector nozzle to the orifice.
 33. Thesystem of claim 32 wherein a sidewall of the adaptor means surroundingthe cavity has a slot extending through the sidewall into the cavity andwherein a lock ring is slid through the slot to engage the body of thefuel injector nozzle to secure the fuel injector nozzle in the cavity ofthe adaptor means.
 34. A method for dispensing a chemical in a liquidform which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a dispenser apparatuscomprising a disposable sealed container having an orifice which allowsthe pressurized gas to be provided in the container means and which canhold a pressurized gas and the chemical in the liquid form; adaptormeans configured to be connected to the orifice; a fuel injector nozzleconnected to the adaptor means of the container capable of periodicallydispensing less than 10 μL of the chemical in the liquid form by thepressurized gas, wherein the fuel injector nozzle comprises: (i) a bodywith a passage therethrough; (ii) a valve needle moveable in the passageof the body to open and close the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil withelectrical leads to the coil mounted on the body so that the coilprovides a continuous circuit surrounding the valve needle which ismoved upon application of a current through the coil; and (iv) biasmeans mounted in the body which holds the valve needle in a closedposition when the current is not flowing through the coil; and controlmeans for controlling the fuel injector nozzle; and (b) activating theapparatus such that the control means supplies current to the coil tomove the valve needle against the bias means to open the passage in thefuel injector nozzle so that the chemical in the liquid form and thepressurized gas are dispensed periodically from the container throughthe passage in the body of the fuel injector nozzle.
 35. The method ofclaim 34 wherein the adaptor means is removably connected to the orificeof the container and the control means is removably mounted on andreleasably connected to the fuel injector nozzle such that in step (b)after all of the chemical in the liquid form has been dispensed from thecontainer, the adaptor means, fuel injector nozzle and the control meansare removed from the container and connected to a full container. 36.The method of claim 34 wherein the control means is a programmableprocessing unit which periodically activates the control means to supplycurrent to the coil of the fuel injector nozzle to open the valveneedle.
 37. The method of claim 34 wherein the control means has aremote electromagnetic wave transmitter controlling a receiver connectedto the coil of the fuel injector nozzle on the container which whenactivated by the transmitter allows current to flow to the coil thusmoving the needle valve to open the passage in the fuel injector nozzle.38. The method of claim 37 wherein the transmitter is activated by acentral processing unit.
 39. The method of claim 34 wherein the chemicalin the liquid form is a pheromone which attracts insects which isdispensed in an area containing plants attacked by the insect to confusethe insects and prevent mating.
 40. The method of claim 34 wherein thechemical in the liquid form is a fragrance which is dispensed in aclosed area to control odors.
 41. A method for dispensing a chemical ina liquid form which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a dispenserapparatus comprising a disposable sealed container having an orifice andwhich can hold a pressurized gas and the chemical in the liquid form;adaptor means configured to be sealingly connected to the orifice; anozzle sealingly configured to be connected to the adaptor means of thecontainer, wherein the nozzle comprises: (i) a body with a passagetherethrough; (ii) a valve needle moveable in the passage of the body toopen and close the passage; (iii) a solenoid coil with electrical leadsto the coil mounted on the body so that the coil provides a continuouscircuit surrounding the valve needle which is moved upon application ofa current through the coil; and (iv) bias means mounted in the bodywhich holds the valve needle in a closed position when the current isnot flowing through the coil; self-contained circuit mounted on thecontainer for controlling the nozzle; and (b) activating the apparatusso that the self-contained circuit supplies current periodically to thecoil on a pre-programmed schedule to move the valve needle against thebias means to open the passage in the nozzle so that the chemical in theliquid form and the pressurized gas are dispensed periodically from thecontainer through the passage in the body of the nozzle.
 42. The methodof claim 41 wherein the circuit has an activated mode which suppliescurrent to the coil and an inactivated mode where no current is suppliedby the circuit.
 43. The method of claim 42 wherein the inactivated modeis controlled by a capacitor electrically connected to separate gates oftransistors, wherein the loss of a charge on the capacitor opens thegate of one of the transistors and allows current to flow from a batteryto the coil.